Feeling a bit overwhelmed or stuck for ideas for your event?

Earlier this year we asked Dying To Know Day event holders to share their experiences and event hosting tips. What worked for them, what they would do differently, read on for inspiration!

1: Just Do it!

#D2KDay hosts encouraged everyone who is thinking about hosting an event during August is to “just go for it” and “do it”.

Just dive in and do it and have some fun, you'll be surprised

Get on with it and learn

You can't get it wrong, it’s a subject that people value and i feel they respect anyone who has the courage to take it on in the first place, this then seems to allow people to be naturally forgiving if things may seem to not go quite right to the event holder, it’s like no one really notices because the subject has a life of it's own

Make it fun!

Just go for it

Just dive in and give it a go

Be brave and do it

Don't be shy about it

Don't be scared to do one- it’s a wonderful opportunity to start a conversation

2: keep it simple:

Know what you are trying to achieve before you start and keep it simple!! Death has a life of is own and really, all you need to do is hold space with a goal in mind and the conversations etc will just flow! i.e. you don't need to be "presenting" anything or worrying that people won't talk!!

Keep it simple and manageable

3: Make it local

Use local knowledge and talent

Use existing social networks to spread the message

Use as much local talent as possible and find out what people are wanting to know

People come when there is food or freebies!

4: plan well

Create a working group to lead & share responsibilities. We only required 1 face to face meeting then emailed each other re organisation tasks etc.

Get the media on side

Have a marketing/promo strategy and go with what you are comfortable with. A theme with keynote presenter of interest coupled with activities works best for me

The more planned you are, the less stressed you'll be

Plan for all the logistical details, not just the theme or idea

Include music when running the interactive groups - creates a comfortable atmosphere

Find a group of people who are excited about this subject. Get engaged with them early - in the planning stages.

Go with your gut feeling. If other people involved want to steer the event in another direction but it doesn't feel right for you then go it alone. They can host their own event in their own way and it's a win-win situation.

Research and provide accurate informative information and a range of presenters

5: Resources

I've found that doing things outside the box is really good, also displays that let people get involved with the different crafty ideas was very popular at our venue last year

The starter discussion resources I used last year were invaluable and got the discussions going very quickly

6: Manage your expectations

Be satisfied with even a small turnout. Every single person you get in front of is as important as getting in front of a whole group

Don't expect too much!

Just because we are keen and see the value in planning for dying well doesn't mean that everyone in the community does. Don't be disappointed if lots of people don't turn up - but even if two people want to know what you have to say it is a service for them.

This is a relatively 'new' conversation or thought process for society, so some people might be wary of engaging because they don't know what to expect. Telling people about D2KDay (or death) in person seems to make it easier to understand that death positive conversations are not weird, morbid or unusual and that people who converse are just normal, every day folk like themselves. Speaking face-to-face helps to normalise the conversation and takes a bit of the stigma out of it.

Be open minded with people. I had 8 people show up of extremely different belief and ideals who met in the middle and were great.

and finally...

Don't worry that no one will turn up ... they will!!!

If you hold it, they will come!

What's your plan?This #D2KDay host an event in your home, workplace or in your community. Bring to life conversations and community actions around death, dying and bereavement.